Zakaat

Q: What is a Muslim’s duty towards beggars?

Is it absolutely obligatory to always give them money irrespective whether they are Muslims or not and irrespective whether they are genuine or habitual. Most appear to have made begging a living.

We constantly get lots of beggars (both Muslims and non-Muslims, young and old) that regularly come round and expecting money. If a nominal amount of money is given, it is often refused and, if food or anything else is given, it is simply also refused or thrown away.

We also get many Muslim youngsters that appear healthy and able to work; yet come around begging. In this instance, can one refer them to the nearest Jamiat Office who will no doubt screen them and ascertain if they are actually genuine and do qualify for assistance? Kindly advise.

Q: Spending on ones family is sadaqa. Even we cant intent of sadaka before spending on family. I have a habit every morning where I keep away some money with the niyyah of sadaqa and at that very time, after taking out the sadaqa money, I also make dua to Allah to make my certain works done or certain affairs easy. My question is, can I spend that sadaqa money on my family?

Q: We are 3 brothers. My parents are our employed. We are in joint family. I am also employed and married and have 2 children. My other brothers are in a business and one of them is married. I am a kind hearted man and spend my money to look after the poor.

I want to know whether the money I earn is mine or my parents? Do I have a right to spend for the sake of Allah without my parents will? As they are self-employed. 

Q: At my previous job, some years back there was a provident fund which I contributed a certain percentage and the company contributed a certain percentage. However after I left that job I forgot about that money and now while trying to take it out from the fund, I am experiencing difficulties as many years passed by and the account became redundant. Do I have to pay zakaat on that amount.

Q: At work, we are allowed to accumulate our leave days and may also take the cash money for it at any time. Do I have to pay zakaat on these leave days, as there is a monetary value to it?

Q: Can we use zakaat money to buy an ambulance and use it for people in poverty, free of charge? We have a foundation for doing such activities. 

Q: Must I pay zakaat on my gold jewellery every year or just once off??

Q: One year ago I got married. My wife was gifted with gold from her parents and my parents too. The gold qualifies the "nisab" amount. She is a domestic wife. First I planned to pay zakaat on the the gold in a lumpsum after one year. But being a salaried person I could not do it as per my planning. Now I intend to pay a certain portion of zakaat from my salary each month. Please guide me on how should I calculate zakaat. For example on completion of the first year, the rate of gold was different from now.

Q: My friend is about to undergo surgery and prior to surgery, she wants to give sadaqah to her metarnal grandmother as she is needy too.

Whatever is spent on one's family is the best sadaqah but we never intend to count it as sadaqah before spending. We just simply fulfill their needs. Can we make the niyyat of sadaqah before spending on my children, husband or other family members?

Q: I know that zakaat should be paid annually, so I usually pay my zakaat on 22 Zul Hijjah every year. This year, I wish to pay my zakaat in Ramadhaan. Is this permissible, even though one full year has not passed, or do I have to wait until 22 Zul Hijjah again?